Meet the Leaders Special Report

2016 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From

Recognizing excellence in school-district leadership
Special Education Leader To Learn From A Colorado Leader Taps Teacher Specialists to Serve All Students
In the highly diverse Adams County 50 district, Steve Sandoval brings teachers together to integrate supports for English-learners, gifted students, students with disabilities, and those in poverty. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
9 min read
English-Language Learners Leader To Learn From California Leader Puts Spotlights on Long-Term English-Learners
Michael Matsuda, superintendent in the Anaheim Union High School District, has spearheaded new efforts to support English-learners who struggle for years to achieve proficiency in the language. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
7 min read
Curriculum Leader To Learn From Accomplished Singer Leads Boston District’s Expansion of the Arts
Myran Parker-Brass, a classically trained mezzo-soprano, has overseen an ambitious expansion of the arts that has brought a diverse array of dance, music, theater, and visual-arts instruction to Boston’s classrooms. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
7 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Indianapolis Superintendent Enlists Charters as Allies to Improve City’s Schools
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee has embraced charter schools as an equal partner in raising student achievement and bolstering Indianapolis’ public school sector. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
8 min read
Families & the Community Leader To Learn From Connecting Schools, Diverse Families Is Mission for Nevada District Leader
As the head of the Washoe County school district’s efforts to engage families, D’Lisa Crain oversees a multi-faceted initiative to build bridges between schools and parents. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
6 min read
Teaching Profession Leader To Learn From Seasoned Educator Takes the Dread Out of Evaluations for Teachers
In the fraught world of teacher evaluation, Renee Pryor provides useful feedback and support to rookie teachers and those who may be struggling in the Lincoln County, Tenn., district. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
7 min read
Equity & Diversity Leader To Learn From Community Schools Blunt the Impacts of Poverty in Vancouver, Wash.
Superintendent Steve Webb and Chief of Staff Tom Hagley saw big economic changes coming to the Vancouver, Wash., district, and undertook a major initiative to place a range of supportive services for students and families in the city’s schools. They are recognized as 2016 Leaders To Learn From.
8 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Leader To Learn From Alabama Superintendent Creates Digital Hub in Rural Town
In Piedmont, Ala., Superintendent Matt Akin is leveraging educational technology to bring richer learning opportunities to students. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
9 min read
Early Childhood Leader To Learn From In N.C. District, Leader Brings Play Back to Kindergarten
Steve Oates is leading the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County district to embrace more play-based learning in kindergarten, counter to a major trend of making early-childhood education more academic. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Lillian Mongeau
8 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Fort Wayne, Ind., Superintendent Is Forceful Advocate for Urban Schools
With her deep knowledge and strong track record at the helm of the Fort Wayne district, Wendy Robinson is a persuasive advocate for traditional public schools in Indiana, a state with robust school choice. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
9 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Tulsa District Leader Partners With Principals to Improve Instruction
Julio César Contreras, a former teacher and principal, eschews micromanaging the principals he supervises in the Tulsa, Okla., school district, and to ask them for what supports they need. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
7 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Superintendent Fosters a Culture of Risk-Taking in Rural Illinois District
At the helm of Illinois’ Farmington Central school district, Superintendent John Asplund has ushered in innovations that are exposing students to opportunities and skills they will need to find their footing in a dramatically shifting economy. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Ross Brenneman
7 min read

Coverage of leadership, expanded learning time, and arts learning is supported in part by a grant from The Wallace Foundation, at www.wallacefoundation.org. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.